Mid-year Los Angeles crime stats show 16 percent increase in violent crime

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Violent crime in Los Angeles has increased by 16 percent, according to the mid-year crime statistics report released by the Los Angeles Police Department.

The report indicated violent crimes, such as homicides and shootings, increased by 16 percent between Jan. 1 and July 16 of this year compared to the same period last year. But the report also showed overall crime in the city had only increased by 6 percent.

The number of homicides in the city rose by about 3.1 percent, from 130 to 134 incidents. The number of shooting victims increased by 1.3 percent, from 537 to 544 incidents.

"The vast majority of the homicides and shootings were occurring in four of our 21 division," LAPD Chief Charlie Beck said.

Mayor Eric Garcetti and Beck announced the release of the statistics on Friday at the police headquarters in downtown L.A.

Beck also released the results of a survey involving residents' perceptions of police, which is something new the department has done.

As part of the survey, 2,000 residents from high-crime areas were contacted. Beck said about 70 percent of residents feel a certain amount of safety in their neighborhoods at night. About 73 percent also "somewhat or strongly approve" of the job the department is doing.

Garcetti said the surveys would be conducted at least once a year to help measure levels of public trust.

City News Service contributed to this report.